Program offers lasting benefits to participants 
Above and below, Books Alive! performers rehearse for the show.
While extracurricular activities of all types have their value, there are some that leave a lasting impression on both their young participants and their parents.
Such is the case with the library's Books Alive! program. As the ninth season of the children's theater company draws to a close, parents reflected on the benefits their children gleaned from the project.
Christine Adams said the program has allowed her son Logan to meet kids from other schools and districts he otherwise never would have had the privilege of knowing. "I have noticed that this is an 'outside the school' activity that brings a lot of different people from town and outside town to see," she said.
Julie Moussot liked that aspect of the program, as well, saying that what her daughter Olivia liked most about Books Alive! was making new friends. "Books Alive! is great for helping kids connect with other kids that they might not normally cross paths with," Julie said.
Carla Amthor, a library board member and proud mom, watched the annual performances even before her son Robert got involved in the production. She said the kids involved learn about teamwork, just as they would playing a sport, except in this case it's all about timing and sequencing. "The transformation of the kids from start to finish is amazing," she added.
Nancy Lischinsky agreed. Castmembers like her daughter Claire gain valuable learning experiences from the program, such as, "Confidence! The ability to get up, perform, and speak in front of others," Nancy said.
Marla Landsman said her daughters, Emily and Jillian, have looked forward to the creative processes of writing scripts, learning lines, singing songs, and preparing dance numbers throughout the years of the program. In the process they've learned a laundry list of valuable lessons, such as how to collaborate with their peers, perseverance, how to be leaders (to those new to the program), and much more.
"We say that children live what they learn," Marla said. "Everyday, I see how Emily and Jillian live what they have learned while being part of Books Alive!. I am immensely proud of them and grateful to this program for being a positive influence in their lives."
Books Alive's Magic and Mayhem will be performed at 1 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. at the John G. Borden Middle School tomorrow. The production will be dedicated to the memory of Stewart Crowell, a longtime library trustee and community leader. Suggested donations will be $5 per person or $20 for families of 6 and up; children under 5 get in for free. All proceeds benefit  children's programming at Wallkill Public Library.
Taking short survey could win you iPad
In an effort to learn more about how Wallkill Public Library users use technology resources and services, the library will be conducting an online survey from March 30 to April 12.
The information collected from the survey will help the library evaluate our own current offerings in an effort to better serve the community.
The survey only takes about 10 minutes to fill out and is completely anonymous and confidential.
The best part is, those who take the survey will be eligible to win either a Sony Xperia or an Apple iPad Air.
Participants must be 14 years of age or older. Only one entry may be made per person.
Keep a lookout for the survey starting Sunday on the homepage of our website!
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Monday: Super Scholastic Story Time is offered at 1 p.m. Lois Ehlert's Waiting for Wings will be featured.
Tuesday: Book Buddies meets at 10:30 a.m. The Teen Book Club meets at 3:30 p.m. to discuss Alice in Zombieland, by Lewis Carroll and Nickolas Cook. Read to Sadie is offered at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Mommy and Me will meet at 10 a.m.,followed by Toddler Story Time at 11 a.m. The Kinder Art Club meets at 2:15 p.m. The Teen Anime Club takes place at 3 p.m.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m. A Library Expansion meeting will be held at 7 p.m.in the community room of Town Hall - the public is welcome to attend.
Friday: Game Club meets from 4-5 p.m. to build with LEGOs and play Nintendo DS.
 
No foolin' - April's full of great deals!
You may still be scraping the frost off your window in the morning, but April's here come Tuesday, and to celebrate, Wallkill Public Library is offering new cards, no late fees, and free books!
Throughout the month of April, users who have lost their library cards can get new ones for free. The library's newly created cards, which feature our logo and unique design, will hopefully be more eye-catching when you add them to your keychain-full of other key cards, too.
Food for Fines, typically a Thanksgiving-time event, will also be put back into effect from April 1 through the 18. During those weeks, fines will be waived in exchange for food items that the library will then donate to the local food pantry.
And though you're used to getting free books at the library, we'll be giving out ones for keepsies April 23 during World Book Night. Stop in then and you can pick up a selection that's guaranteed to get you out of your reading rut and back into the wonderful world of books!
Library trustees invite patrons to meeting
The Wallkill Public Library's board of trustees will be hosting a community meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall.
The meeting will explore the expansion needs of the library. Community members are invited to attend and give the board their thoughts on such a project.
Questions? Call the library at 895-3707 or contact a board member.

Meet the Authors lunch tickets on sale
The Friends of the Moffat Library are  hosting a Meet the Authors Luncheon from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Round Hill House in Washingtonville.
Steve Hamilton and Jon Bowermaster will be the featured authors. Hamilton's most recent novel, The Lock Artist, won the 2011 Edgar Award. He's also written the New York Times-bestselling Alex McKnight mystery series that began with A Cold Day in Paradise.
Bowermaster is an award-winning writer and filmmaker associated with National Geographic. He's the author of 11 books and producer of documentary films. His books include Descending the Dragon, Wildebeest in a Rainstorm, and Crossing Antarctica.
Tickets are on sale now at Moffat Library, 3348 Route 208, Campbell Hall. Proceeds will benefit the Historic Moffat Library Building Fund. For more information, call 496-5483, ext. 323.
 
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